Ugandan singer and songwriter, Irene Ntalé has just inked a major deal with Universal Music Group Nigeria (UMGNG).

A household name in Uganda and East Africa with over 10 Million streams and downloads, Ntalé is known for her ability to fuse together sounds from the region.

She is one of the leading female artists on the continent and the first artist from Uganda to be signed to Universal Music Group.

Meanwhile she has just releasesd her first single, ‘Nyamba’ under Universal Music Group Nigeria on Wednesday 21st August 2019.

The word, ‘Nyamba’ means ‘Help Me’ in Luganda, Ntalé’s local dialect.

‘Nyamba’ is a romantic ballad inspired by a past experience, the track is very personal to Ntalé as it speaks to the fragility and vulnerability of love.

Ntalé says, ‘I want all my fans to fall in love, dance, and be unafraid to express themselves when they listen to this song”.

Ntalé is a multifaceted artist whose genre-blending mix of RnB, Afropop, reggae, and acoustic soul has formed her unique sound.

The ‘Nyamba’ release comes highly anticipated following the release of hit singles such as ‘Kyolowooza’, ‘Stamina Daddy’, and ‘Gukuba’.

 Universal Music Group Nigeria, General manager  Ezegozie Eze said, “We are excited to have Ntalé join the family. She is an extremely talented artist and her dedication to her craft has paid off in East Africa".

Adding "This partnership has been 2 years in the making and we are excited to be on this journey with her as she sets her eyes on Africa and then the world”.

Since their arrival into the market, Universal Music Group Nigeria has been on a mission to push African sound globally.

The signing of this East African superstar is yet another opportunity for UMG Nigeria to take Africa to the world and bring the world to Africa.

Ntalé’s deal with the entertainment company goes beyond music, she will also be partnering with U-Live Africa (a division of Universal Music Group Nigeria) to produce her annual concert Ntalé Live, which debuted in 2018 with a sold out show at the Kampala Serena Hotel.

“Being signed to Universal Music Group, Nigeria is the beginning of a new journey as we plan to take over the world.” Ntalé commented.

Navio, the multi-award winning Ugandan artist and one of the most versatile rappers in East Africa, has released the music video to his latest single – KYEKYO.

The video was shot and directed by HenixTouch Filmz.

This comes ahead of his upcoming album #SiN (Strength In Numbers).

Produced by Aethan, KYEKYO was recorded at Icon Studios by Mio Made.

The single has an eclectic but modern beat coupled with live instrumentation from Congo guitar sensation Charmant, adding another dynamic to the song.

Watch KYEKYO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX7cKeMrX-km

 “My #SiN Album (Strength In Numbers) is about balance, showing people that good music, versatility and a clear vision is what’s needed,” says Navio ahead of his upcoming album

Adding, “They say in order to lead sometimes you have to follow. After winning 50 awards I really had to take a step back from the industry to see what’s really going on"

He went ahead to state " A lot of new acts are coming into the industry with low goals or high ones before good music and proving their worth.”

Pronounced ‘Che-cho’, KYEKYO is a word used when somebody likes what you’re doing and they want you to keep doing it.

The expressive term in Uganda used to mean: “That’s what’s up”, “Like that” or “That’s how to do it”. 

This release comes right after a life event (his wedding with long-time lover) and is yet a new direction for Navio and the industry and shows the versatility that we have come to expect from the rapper.

His ability to blend seamlessly Urban sound into African Rhythms saw him win “Best Album” at the HiPipo awards 2017 for his critically acclaimed album “The Chosen”.

Diamond Platnumz's record label WCB is set to unveil new artists, a male and a female.

This is according to a reliable source who hinted to Ommy Dallah that plans are already underway to officially unveil the two.

The source revealed that the two artists are Hanstone and songstress Zuchu.

"Hanstone was one of the two artists who were previously behind the track Chibonge alongside Marioo but after a fall out Marioo decided to remove him from the track , which rumor has it that Marioo did not like the fact that Hanstone’s verse was better than his hence the fight and falling out" said the source.

Adding "Diamond has picked him(Hanstone) believing he is better than Marioo and wants to prove that point by having him under his label and he also believe that he too will be releasing hit songs as it is with other artists signed under WCB".

Hanstone is the ghostwriter behind Maua Sama’s hit song 'Iokote'.

"The two will be unveiled either after Tanasha gives birth or at the end of Wasafi festival" said the source.

This comes at a time when there is alot of speculation on whether Harmonize is still under WCB with some quarters suggesting that he has already left the label and is currently working on his own 'Konde Gang'. There has been no word from the management of WCB concerning this.

In one of his tweets, on 11th of last month (July), Diamond revealed that he had just signed a new artist but did not give more details.

Some of the other  artists who are currently under WCB are Lava Lava, Rayvanny, Queen Darleen and Mbosso.

In 2016 Rich Mavoko joined the label (WCB) only to leave after sometime under unclear circumstances.

Bongo flava star Harmonize has team up with Uganda's celebrated female singer Sheebah in a new song.

The song is titled 'Follow me'.

Watch the video below.

A Mombasa-based chef, Maliha Mohammed, today joined the annals of fame by setting a new world record cooking non-stop for 75 hours.

Ms. Mohammed, a self-taught chef, joins a galaxy of Kenyans including renowned athletes like Paul Tergat, Tegla Lorupe and the late Samuel Wanjiru, who have previously shattered world records in various human endeavors.

She awaits official confirmation from Guinness World Record.

A thrilled Ms. Mohammed attributed her achievements to determination and her passion for cooking.

“I have always loved cooking. My greatest joy is in coming up with exciting dishes both local and international cuisine, I will forever be greateful to Pwani Oil for their sponsorship and helping realize my dream" she said .

Adding "I will continue perfecting my cooking skills and look forward to surpassing this record in future" 

She also encouraged young people with various talents to aim for the sky and "show the world what they have to offer,”

The 36-year old chef, who works for a local NGO, added she is keen on showcasing Kenyan dishes to the world especially Swahili cuisine. 

Currently, the record is held by Rickey Lumpkin II of California, US, who cooked for 68 hours, 30 minutes and 1 second in December 2018.

Indian chef Vishnu Manohar in 2017 spent 53 consecutive hours cooking, while Benjamin J. Perry did 40 hours in 2014.

She thanked Pwani Oil, a Mombasa-based edible oils, soaps and detergents manufacturer, who sponsored her trials.

Pwani Oil commercial Director Rajul Malde hailed Ms. Mohammed for putting Kenya on the world map, adding the company is keen on promoting local talent.

“We are really delighted as Pwani Oil to have been part of Malika’s journey. There are many talented Kenyans who if given opportunity can accomplish great things” said Malde.

Prior to setting the new record, Ms. Mohammed undertook two trial sessions, first in June when she cooked for 36 hours and then in July, for 54 hours, preparing over 100 recipes.

She was supported by a team working in nine-hour shifts.

Other sponsors were Kenya Bay Beach Resort, Sea Gas who supplied her with free cooking gas, , Sheffield Africa and Farmers Choice.

The Guinness World Records, previously also known as Guinness Book of Records, lists outstanding human achievements as well as unique natural phenomena.

Being listed by Guinness World Records is considered prestigious.

Other Kenyans who have previously featured on the world list include Joseph Love who in 1992 milked 30 cows by hand in 24 hours, and Kimani Maruge who became the world’s oldest pupil at 84 years in 2004.

The Mama Ngina Drive in Mombasa county which is being regenerated into a waterfront and cultural district is 90 per cent complete.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala defended the contractor saying the 10 per cent  remaining is the additional work before the facility hosts this year’s Mashujaa Day national
celebrations.

He said the facility will be handed over to the national celebrations committee three weeks prior to the one day event and assured journalists there is no cause for alarm.

"The additional work is a results of hosting the presidential event during the national celebrations in October in the county,"he pointed out.

Balala hinted the presidential square and its environs has a sitting capacity of 25,000 people.

He spoke after he led his ministry officials to the supervisory weekly inspection of the facility.

The CS said they have come up with clear arrangements with security organs on how they would do the one day event together.

Balala, who was accompanied by his principal secretary Joe Okudo, told journalists there is enough time to hand over the facility to the celebrations committee.

He added at the moment they are clearing the site to install the tents and put up infrastructure which normally takes less than a week.

"We have clear arrangements with local provincial administrators on how we are going to do the celebration as a team," he pointed out.

DStv has once again given its subscribers an exclusive viewing experience to thank them for their continued loyalty. 

The screening is part of the DStv Thanks programme which rewards loyal customers who continually pay their subscription on time. 

The screening attended by 300 subscribers was a premier of the movie ‘The Kitchen’ which was held at Garden City in Nairobi.

MultiChoice Kenya Managing Director Eric Odipo said, “We are constantly looking for ways to improve and create more value for our customers. The DStv Thanks rewards programme is one of the ways in which we do this".

All activeDStv Access, Family, Compact, Compact+ and Premium customers who pay their subscriptions on time or before their due date are eligible for discounts via the DStv Thanks programme.

Odipo added "We not only want to give discounts, but we also want deliver shows and experiences straight into our subscribers hands. This screening is the start of many ways in which we continue to more tangible benefits for our DStv customers.”

DStv Thanks offers now also offers discount packages for meals at Ocean Basket, 5% off travel packages with Bonfire Adventures and 10% off over-the-counter purchases at any Goodlife Pharmacy countrywide.

DStv Premium and Compact Plus customers also receive 20% discount on accommodation rates at The Royal Senchi while Compact, Family and Access customers will get 10% off rack room rates. 

Existing rewards under the Thanks programme also include savings of up to 50% on select items at Tuskys through the customized rewards webpage, 10% discount off all flights with Emirates out of Kenya, Sh. 100 discount at Century Cinemax and 5% discount from Text Book Centre. 

DStv subscribers also get a complimentary one-week sports upgrade to a higher-tier package.

DStv Access and DStv Family customers will get an upgrade to DStv Compact sports channels while DStv Compact and DStv Compact Plus subscribes will get a week of upgrade to DStv Premium sports channels. 

This offer is designed to give active DStv customers an opportunity to view and enjoy sports channels and content they do not normally have access to and to get a taste of the exciting wide variety of entertainment available on other DStv packages.

The rewards programme is one of the ways the company seeks to reward and show appreciation to DStv customers for their continuous loyalty and support for our business.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has urged Kenyans to embrace active lifestyle as a first line of defense against non-communicable diseases including cancer.

The First Lady emphasized that physical exercise has many benefits to the wellbeing of the human body, most importantly being the prevention of illnesses.

“Let us be proactive and embrace healthy and active lifestyle. This way, we will help keep cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure at bay,” she said.

The First Lady was speaking today at Engineer in Nyandarua County where she officially launched the 4^thBeyond Zero Medical Safari where thousands of Nyandarua residents will receive various free medical services during the three-day camp that started on Wednesday.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, at the same, underscored the importance of cancer screening and early detection in combating the disease that has become a major concern in the country.

“Cancer screening for breast, cervical and prostrate saves lives. I am encouraged to see that today so many men and women have come out for the free screening,” the First Lady said.  

She commended the Government for putting in place additional measures to fight cancer including increasing budgetary allocation as well as the number of health centres for chemotherapy and radiology across the country.

“The aim is to make services more accessible to all Kenyans as well as improving the pricing and availability of drugs,” she said. 

The First Lady also affirmed her commitment to promoting the health of babies and children.

“As a mother, I know the pain severe child illness causes. That is why I have prioritized the well-being of babies and children in my work by promoting pre and postnatal checkups for mothers to enable them deliver healthy babies,” the First Lady said.

She also spoke on the need for children born with disabilities to be protected and commended the National Council for People with Disability for registering disabled children at the medical safari to enable them to benefit from the Government social protection programme as well as other services including health.

“We need to work together to ensure our children are protected and given the opportunity to live in dignity, not discriminated against,” she said.

The First Lady praised Nyandarua County that boasts of an eighty-six percent delivery in health facilities, saying it is a shining example in the promotion of maternal health.

She also thanked the County Government of Nyandarua, the private sector, NGOs, UN Agencies, the media, doctors and volunteers for supporting the medical safari.

“We can achieve much if we continue to join hands and work together. We are able to offer free medical services because of the partnerships we see here,” the First Lady said.

During the event,the First Lady also launched the Nyandarua County Business Plan for the elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (eMTCT) of HIV.  

The business plan commits more resources to the county’s HIV response to guard against new infections from mother to child. This is in line with Kenya’s efforts towards the total elimination of new cases of HIV by 2030.

Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki said health is a devolved function but unless the county governments work and collaborate with the national Government, provision of quality health services will be a futile exercise.

“That is why as a Ministry we are committed and we will continue to be committed in partnering with the counties wherever they are to make sure that needs to be done, that which the Kenyans desire in terms of healthcare is realized in accordance with the promises and commitments made by His Excellency the President,” the Health CS said.

Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia assured of his county’s total support to the President’s Big 4 Agenda especially the Universal Health Coverage.

Other speakers included Nyandarua Governor’s spouse Mrs Anne Kimemia, Kenya Pipeline Chairman John Ngumi, Aga Khan University Hospital Cardiovascular Department Head Dr Jelian Mohamed, Lion Eye Hospital Chief Development Officer Sushil Kumar and National Aids Control Council CEO Dr Nduku Kilonzo.

Before launching the medical safari, the First Lady visited the Engineer County Hospital where she commissioned the new 64-bed mother and child wing constructed by the county at a cost of Kshs 57 million.

County First Ladies Priscilla Oparanya (Kakamega), Ivy Kiptis (Baringo), Sheila Sang (Nandi), Sarah Tunai (Narok) and Priscilla Murungi (Bungoma) also attended the event.

Popular reggae Dj Moh Spice has been arrested by police from the DCI following a photo that has been circulating on social media which shows him displaying his firearm in public.

The detectives from the special crime prevention unit arrested the Dj last night at space lounge club and confiscated a steryl pistol and 174 rounds of ammunition.

Dj Mo was on Tuesday spotted carrying a gun while attending his brother DJ Kym Nickdee’s birthday party at K1 Klub House where the viral picture was taken.

A statement from the DCI reads "Following Public outcry of a #DJ displaying a Firearm in public, @DCI_Kenya Detectives from #SCPU last night arrested Mr. Nicholas Mugo MWANGI at #SpaceLounge Club, Ngong Rd. A Steyr Pistol & 174 rounds of Ammunitions confiscated. He’s in our custody helping with investigations"

The Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa is in the process of expanding their property by an additional 114 new rooms

The rooms will be contained in an all new wing of the 40 acre property and will be unveiled just in time for the peak holiday season in December this year.

The addition of these 114 rooms will bring the total room count of Diani Reef to an impressive 257 rooms, making it the single largest five star hotel by room inventory in the South Coast.

According to Bobby Kamani, the Managing Director, Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa, the investment is strategic to accommodate the high numbers expected from both the international and domestic tourists.

“We are very excited as this expansion plan goes a long way in ensuring that we are able to accommodate the high numbers of tourists expected during this festive season" said Kamani

According to the MD all the raw materials for the expansion of the new rooms as well as for the renovation of the existing rooms have been locally procured.

Mr. Kamani went on to state that the Hotel had invested heavily during the low season in June and July this year to renovate its existing 143 rooms in preparation for the high season.

This expansion will also help boost the conferencing business for the Hotel, as it will be able to accommodate more delegates.

Mr. Kamani explained, “We have made substantial investments in our conferencing facility which can accommodate up to 1000 delegates. As a result of our room expansion plan, we will now be able to accommodate even more delegates.”

Diani Reef has also intensified its partnerships with airlines and the SGR to provide holiday packages at affordable rates to the domestic tourists.

In July, the Hotel partnered with Silverstone Air to allow the domestic traveler to save up to 30 percent on the normal flight fare and accommodation rate.

This would include a 2 nights’ stay on half-board basis, return flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Ukunda’s Diani Airport, return airport transfers, as well as a 15 percent discount on beverages and spa treatments. 

This package will end in December this year.

The addition of these 114 rooms further endorses Diani Reef’s confidence in Diani as a destination, with its beaches being named one of the best in the world and Africa’s leading beach destination. 

About Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa

Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa is a world-class hospitality facility located on the South Coast of Kenya.

Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa is the winner of many prestigious awards, the most recent being in 2018 when the distinguished World Travel Awards named it ‘Africa’s Leading Beach Resort’.